Before the break, my message in ECalls focused on the level of commitment necessary to offer and sustain a diverse co-curricular program - commitment from students, staff and the School as a whole. There is no question that robust and diverse co-curricular offerings are essential to the CHS program. This is why we deliberately use the term “co-” instead of “extra-” when describing the clubs, teams activities and opportunities that comprise this element of our educational program. The learning associated with this type of engagement adds to what is learned in the formal classroom setting. The intrinsic motivation that drives a co-curricular program rewards engagement, persistence, and teamwork, fostering a sense of ownership and autonomy.
Today, I want to share with parents and guardians something we are noticing at the School and talking about as a staff. In a growing way, we see students struggle to translate their sincere intention to participate in co-curriculars into a consistent and sustained engagement. This is leading us, as always, to questions.
Through a co-curricular lens, we know that motivation drives engagement. But what happens when student motivation is not evident in their ability to show up consistently? We see the effects, especially in areas like athletics, when students are absent. It impacts everyone involved. Are we expecting too much from students, pushing them to overcommit? Or are we being too lenient when they choose not to participate?
There is no easy answer to these questions, and I'm sure parents and guardians might have a similar question. Are we striking the right balance?
We have yet to share the parent and guardian survey results, but we're closely looking at feedback related to the co-curricular program. Before we make any decisions, we want to hear from the students themselves. We want to know about their experiences with the co-curricular program, what is working and not working, what makes it easy or difficult for them to follow through on commitments, and how we can better support them.
In the end, the success of our co-curricular program depends not just on what we offer but on the commitment and engagement of our students. Overall, our students are dedicated; however, it is important for us to pay attention to what we are noticing: some struggle to show up or sustain commitment. It's not a widespread issue, but it deserves our attention. By gathering input and fostering a culture of accountability and support, we can address these challenges and ensure every student benefits fully from our vibrant co-curricular program.
CHS Golf Classic: Save-the-Date and Special Discounts
We are excited to announce that this year’s Annual CHS Golf Classic will take place on May 31, 2024, at the University Golf Club. Registration for the event will open on Wednesday, April 17, 2024. A reminder email will be sent out shortly before registration opens. We have also partnered with the University Golf Club to offer two great opportunities for members of the Crofton House community to practice their swing before the event.
- Driving Range Cards: Members of our community can purchase a driving range card at a special discounted rate. Pre-paid driving range cards will be available for purchase once registration opens.
- Golf Lessons: University Golf Club is offering three 1-hour golf lessons with their instructors at a discounted rate for groups of a maximum of five people.
To book your lessons, please email golf@croftonhouse.ca.
Join Us for the Spring Used Uniform Sale
The CHS Parents’ Auxiliary Used Uniform Sale is next Friday, April 19, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm in the Heritage Dining Room of the Old Residence. Payment is accepted by student account number only and all sales are final. Please bring your own shopping bags.
Message for Parents of Grade 12 Students
For students graduating in June 2024, there is an option for families to purchase the laptop assigned in September 2022. The cost to purchase the MacBook Air will be $600, which includes the device, charger and operating system only and does not include any school-owned programs, such as the Adobe suite or Microsoft Office. ALL Grade 12 parents must fill out an intent to purchase FORM, whether they choose to purchase or not. The deadline for submission is Friday, April 19, 2024. Full details and options are described on the form.
Be a Respectful Neighbour Every Day
Maintaining a positive relationship with our neighbours is a responsibility the School shares with our parents and guardians who use the streets and avenues around campus. Blocking driveways, even while waiting in the car, and ignoring signs and cones that are in place to ensure smooth traffic flow is noticed. Do your part to ensure our neighbours value their proximity to the School and its community. Today was not a sunny day for our Balaclava Street neighbours.
B.C. Training and Education Savings Program Grant
The Ministry of Education and Child Care invites parents and guardians of students in JK to Grade 4 to review a letter that describes eligibility for a $1,200 BC Training and Education Savings Grant for their post-secondary education. More information is available on the Ministry’s website.
Eid Mubarak!
On Wednesday, April 10, Muslim members of our school community celebrated a significant festival: Eid. A time of reflection, gratitude, and unity for Muslims worldwide, Eid marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting and spiritual growth. In the spirit of Eid, CHS wishes you and your loved ones abundant blessings, happiness, and peace.
CHS Communications Focus Groups - Invitation to Participate
This year's parent/guardian survey asked for feedback on how effectively the School communicates. The next step is to conduct focus groups. An independent external consultant will facilitate these sessions, who will help explore the feedback and themes that emerged through the survey and report back to CHS leadership with findings and recommendations. These focus group findings and the survey results will help us improve our communications. Please sign up to participate in one of the sessions below (10-12 participants per session):
- Tuesday, April 23, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, Heritage Dining Room, Old Residence
- Wednesday, April 24, 8:30 am to 9:30 am, Heritage Dining Room, Old Residence
- Wednesday, April 24, 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm, Heritage Dining Room, Old Residence (Mandarin translation available at this session)
Crofton House School Merchandise Now Available Online
You can now purchase some of the fun and beautiful CHS merchandise available in the School Store online. Check out the selection including mugs, pyjamas, bucket hats and more! Uniform items are not available online.
Here are some snaps from across campus and beyond, featuring the Senior School major trips to Iceland, Spain and France over spring break, adventurous moments from the Grade 6 OE Camp Jubilee, the recent Senior School New York City choir trip, inspiring Ivy Compass days, special activities to celebrate Language and Culture Week and more! Check out this issue’s highlights gallery here.
Junior School Athletics
Over 150 eager athletes in Grade 3-7 are gearing up for their debut track meet in New Westminster on April 19 and 20, followed by another meet at UBC on April 24.
Meanwhile, over 60 athletes kicked off their field hockey journey on Monday morning and did not allow the rain to dampen their enthusiasm!
All our Junior School athletes are looking forward to an exciting season ahead!
Senior School Athletics
The Junior badminton team had their first badminton games this week, hosting York House School. The team won 5 of their 7 games! Last weekend, the Varsity badminton team earned 2nd place at the Port Moody Secondary Badminton Tournament. Yesterday they competed at the Varsity Badminton ISAs in Victoria at St. Micheal's University School and have come out as champions once again!
The Senior 2 soccer team has jumped into league play, representing CHS in the Argyle Junior Soccer Tournament which this week. The Varsity soccer team have also been busy with league play and competed against York House School yesterday.
Last week, the Junior tennis team had their first match at Lord Byng Secondary School - the coaches were extremely pleased to see this team compete for the first time! Looking ahead, the Varsity and Junior tennis teams will be representing CHS at the Tennis ISAs on April 16-17 at the UBC Tennis Centre. CHS is hosting this event.
The CHS golf team has their first ever competition on Monday, April 15 at McCleery Golf Course at 2:00 pm. We are so excited to see our new golf team representing CHS in action!
In Track and Field, athletes competed in their first meet of the season on April 10 at UBC. The coaches were pleased with their great team effort and some new personal bests have already been set!
In rowing, the Novice rowing team is on the water this week for the first time at the UBC Boathouse and we are so proud of their courage and grit!
Follow the Crofton Falcons on Instagram for more updates and information.
Go Falcons Go!
Service Together: Senior School Volunteer Opportunity
Join us this spring for another exciting volunteer opportunity through the PA’s Service Together program. Senior School students and parents are invited to help create care packages with food and personal care items, which will be distributed to persons in need by our partners, the Downtown Eastside Women's Centre and Powell Street Getaway Resource Centre. To register for the events below, please sign up here.
- Granola Bar Making in the Senior School Foods Lab - Wednesday, May 1, 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm. Four parent volunteers and eight Senior School student volunteers needed.
- Care Kit Packaging in Manrell Hall - Thursday, May 2, 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm. 15 parent volunteers and 30 Senior School student volunteers needed.
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